In 1996, many of the Lucasfilm licensees united to present a special multimedia crossover project detailing the events that took place in between the months spanning between the films The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
Shadows of the Empire includes a novel, a comic book series, a 100-piece trading card set, a video game, an original orchestral enhanced CD soundtrack, a series of MicroMachines toys, vinyl dolls and statuettes, model kits, and a line of new action figures and vehicles.
While each can be enjoyed on its own, fans will need to collect several items in order to fully experience the adventure. The novel tells the overall story, focusing on the main characters. The comic book series focuses on bounty hunter Boba Fett's battle to keep possession of the frozen Han Solo. The video game allows players to control new character Dash Rendar, whose adventures in the game weave in and out of the overall storyline. All the while, a battle for the life of Luke Skywalker takes place between Darth Vader and Prince Xizor, as each tries to please the dreaded Emperor Palpatine.